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  • Buying current issue gear

    What are people's opinions on buying current issue army kit? For example the osprey plate carrier systems currently used by the British army? They almost seem too cheap given they should be fairly rugged and hard wearing.

    Yet I only see a couple of mentions of them on here. One one or two YouTube videos on using issue plate carriers etc. While there being hundreds of posts and videos on the various non-issue brands.

    In a more specific tone, does anyone have the osprey system? Which version? Does it really matter? I read a lot about the complaints soldiers had with some of the early versions, but such things are surely less of an issue for us?

    I'm still a couple of months away from getting an ukara number so I'm trying to focus on things I can actually buy now.

  • #2
    Re: Buying current issue gear

    The MTP Osprey is now officially surplus. No armour, lots about, many in well worn condition, so prices aren't particularly high anymore

    Its also in the process of being replaced...
    Originally posted by Nun-Chuck
    I'm down every games day at EAG buddy just give me a shout and I'll whip it out, can have a squeeze too if you like.
    Originally posted by deanfirst
    why not use zeroone's escort service?

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Buying current issue gear

      I had a full set up of mk4 osprey a couple of years back.
      It's solid and durable. A little heavier than the repro carriers. But I found it comfortable and easy enough to move about in.
      If your looking at a full British loadout then it's worth the investment. You can pull off a fairly decent replica mk7 helmet by using a mich 2002 helmet and a couple of scrim kits. It's not perfect, but only the most ardent load out snobs would pull you up on it.

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      • #4
        Re: Buying current issue gear

        Why would you want to run current issue gear unless you're going for that as a specific look.

        Most of it is made to be super strong(heavy), fit everyone(therefore nobody particularly well) and bought in bulk.

        The osprey for example is huge and very bulky compared to other plate carriers. The boots are big and heavy (compared with hiking boots favoured by sf). The trousers don't have knee pads, the ubacs don't have elbow pads, the helmets are big and bulbous, the bergans aren't that comfortable etc etc etc.

        What I'm saying is that it does the job(just) for a squaddie, but given a choice most would pick better (more expensive) gear and that I would recommend you base your buying decisions on things that'll work better for what you intend to use them for.
        sigpic

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        • #5
          Re: Buying current issue gear

          I'd agree with the guys recommending the osprey , yes it's heavy in the hand BUT once you've properly fitted it to your self it's as if your wearing a lightweight platecarrier my self and a team mate who also has one don't see any constriction in movement and with in a couple of minutes you've almost forgotten it's on .
          So as you can see I think it's a cracking bit of kit and I'd recommend it in a heart beat .
          From deepest darkest pagan Wales ! The steel wolves !

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          • #6
            Re: Buying current issue gear

            Thanks for the replies, for some reason it's not notifying me about this post.
            I was looking at current issue as it is rugged and seems to be a lot cheaper, with an excess in molle for any attachments, it seemed more versatile and hard wearing than some alternatives, while being a 1/3 the price of some kit.

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            • #7
              Re: Buying current issue gear

              Eh. I'd stay away from it tbh, as above it does the job for a soldier, but after running with one for just over a year I just found it uncomfortable.
              With the cost of the carrier and pouches you'll still end up near decent repro gear to Warrior territory.
              Don't forget to submit feedback! http://forums.zeroin.co.uk/itrader.php

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              • #8
                Re: Buying current issue gear

                I bought my Osprey Mk4A from a local ex-squaddie friend of mine. Fit's me great and I have full freedom of movement. I actually got most of his kit; UBACs, Vest, Pouches, Trouser's etc. He only wanted £60 for the lot. I've spent maybe another £20 to get a few extra things for it like a extra Pistol Mag Pouch, a Double SA80 Mag Pouch (Not a fan of the standard Sling Pouches, have 6 of those spare) and so on. If you can get it cheap, it's worth it in my eyes. Half the CFO kit was still bagged as he had some it replaced just before he left the forces. The only thing I don't have out the current issue kit that Civvies can get is the Yoke, Belt and Boots.

                That's some great websites outside of eBay that stock ex-issue gear and some of them even stock it as new too.

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                • #9
                  Re: Buying current issue gear

                  I somewhat accidentally bought a mk2 the other night for £10 (chucked a bid on, expecting to lose, now own desert mk2) if it's naff I can always relist or bin. I'd love the mk4 in the standard colours. Few quid on some pouches. Like to get some dummy plates. Then nearly done. Shirt and trousers.

                  I have been looking a lot, there's tonnes of this stuff around. But for £10, it's a risk I'm willing to take.

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                  • #10
                    Re: Buying current issue gear

                    Originally posted by Alkerh View Post
                    I somewhat accidentally bought a mk2 the other night for £10 (chucked a bid on, expecting to lose, now own desert mk2) if it's naff I can always relist or bin. I'd love the mk4 in the standard colours. Few quid on some pouches. Like to get some dummy plates. Then nearly done. Shirt and trousers.

                    I have been looking a lot, there's tonnes of this stuff around. But for £10, it's a risk I'm willing to take.
                    I'd happily throw some single mag Sling pouches your way from my MK4 if you cover the postage. Not wanting anything for them. Happy to help out with them really.

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                    • #11
                      Re: Buying current issue gear

                      I've got my eye on a batch of pouches, hopefully I'll get that. Then I'll be covered for almost any circumstance. If I don't win it then I'd be happy to cover some postage.

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                      • #12
                        Re: Buying current issue gear

                        SO damn angry, ebay reminded me of the auction 7 hours before it ends so i think to myself 'how absurd, it must remind me closer to the end' well seemingly not. missed the sale by 5 minutes. Sale of a tonne of pouches, collar and sleeves for £19+P&P, what? oh so so annoyed.

                        annoyed to the point im getting annoyed at how annoyed i am. Stupid.

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                        • #13
                          Re: Buying current issue gear

                          For whatever it's worth I run a full brit-kit load out including mk6 helmet.

                          Never had any issues and can lug it all day.

                          Getting through tight doorways is touch and go though, because of my huge shoulders lol
                          Originally posted by andre the giant
                          ...most of us like a balance of shooting and drinking tea.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Buying current issue gear

                            The biggest issue I've had with mine now is finding non-regulation elements that look okay on it. For examples, I'm running a p90. The pouches for those only come in a few colours. Otherwise I'm loving mine so far.

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